Lock Stock Barrel

March 1, 2011

Lock, Stock & Barrel Triggers History-loaded Weekend in Valley ForgeSymposium of Revolutionary War experts delves into world of the Continental Soldier

The saga of the American Revolutionary War is often told through
lectures and textbooks, depicting tales of a heroic General Washington.
But what of the common Revolutionary War soldiers? A history loaded
weekend, March 25 - 27, in the Valley Forge area explores their epic
struggle.

Noted historians, musicians and archaeologists will
delve deeper into the lives of those who fought for the nation's
independence on Saturday, March 26, at Lock, Stock & Barrel: The World of the Continental Soldier.
The symposium, at the Crowne Plaza Valley Forge, will be preceded by a
reception, Friday evening at Valley Forge National Historical Park, and
followed by a living history program there on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m.

The program begins with some background about the enemy.
Make acquaintance with the British soldier at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, as Don
N. Hagist talks about the men on the other side of the battlefield.
Hagist will examine these career soldiers, many of whom enlisted after
trying their hands at other trades, and reveal surprising stories about
several of them.

At 10:45 a.m., chief historian of the Central
Intelligence Agency, Dr. David Robarge, will unveil the espionage,
covert action, counterintelligence and cryptanalysis used to overcome
the British army's advantage in men and arms. During "Secrets of the
Revolution," Robarge will demonstrate how several key military episodes
hinged on the role of spies and disinformation.

Nancy K. Loane, Ed.D., and author of Following the Drum: Women at the Valley Forge Encampment,
will give a fresh look at the often forgotten female revolutionaries at
1:30 p.m. Drawing from studies of journals, letters and diaries from
the encampment, Loane will discuss the hundreds of women who endured it,
including a 74-year-old assistant to Washington.

Other topics
at the symposium, hosted by the Friends of Valley Forge Park, include
recent archaeological discoveries at Valley Forge, Revolutionary War
music and the Liberty Bell in peace and war. For a full schedule of
events and presentations and registration instructions, please visit www.friendsofvalleyforge.org or www.nps.gov/vafo.
The registration deadline is March 18. For visitor information about
the Valley Forge area and affordable overnight accommodations, visit http://www.valleyforge.org.